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open ran rakuten

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Here's a technical explanation of Open RAN in the context of Rakuten:

  1. Traditional RAN vs. Open RAN:
    • In a traditional RAN, the radio access network is a closed and integrated system where hardware and software are tightly coupled.
    • Open RAN aims to open up this architecture by separating hardware and software components, allowing for interoperability between different vendors' equipment.
  2. Key Components of Open RAN:
    • RU (Radio Unit): The physical hardware responsible for radio transmission and reception. In Open RAN, this can come from different vendors and is interoperable with other components.
    • DU (Distributed Unit): It handles baseband processing functions and is responsible for functions such as modulation, coding, and multiplexing. In Open RAN, this is software-defined and can run on general-purpose hardware.
    • CU (Centralized Unit): It manages multiple DUs and is responsible for functions such as scheduling and resource management. Like DU, CU in Open RAN is software-based.
  3. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV):
    • Open RAN relies heavily on SDN and NFV principles. SDN separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing for more centralized control and programmability.
    • NFV involves virtualizing network functions, enabling them to run on commodity hardware. This is crucial in Open RAN, as it allows the implementation of baseband processing functions in software on general-purpose servers.
  4. Open RAN Standards and Interfaces:
    • Various organizations, such as the O-RAN Alliance, define standards and interfaces for Open RAN. These standards ensure interoperability between different vendors' equipment.
    • Interfaces, such as the Fronthaul Interface (e.g., O-RAN's E2 interface), define how different RAN components communicate with each other.
  5. Rakuten's Open RAN Implementation:
    • Rakuten Mobile has been a pioneer in deploying Open RAN in a commercial network. Their network architecture embraces virtualization, allowing them to use off-the-shelf hardware and open interfaces.
    • The flexibility of Open RAN enables Rakuten to introduce new features and services more rapidly compared to traditional networks.
  6. Cloud-Native Architecture:
    • Rakuten's Open RAN is built on a cloud-native architecture. This involves containerization and microservices, making the network more scalable, agile, and easier to manage.